Map replacing Israel with Palestine angers parents at Fulton County school

A map depicting Israel as Palestine has left some Fulton County parents upset about a middle school multicultural night.

The idea of the event was to have families come and share their stories in an effort to promote cultural understanding. However, several parents have since e-mailed 11Alive upset about a map of the Middle East taking a clear side on the longtime Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The map at the Autrey Mill Middle School event shows Palestine where present-day Israel should be. The conflict over the land goes back decades with both sides arguing over who owns rights to it. Several Israeli and Jewish parents said the map was highly offensive and brought it to the attention of the middle school principal.

A Fulton County Schools spokesperson said the map isn’t a regular display at the school and they’re investigating to see who put it there. In a full statement, the school system said:

“Fulton County Schools was made aware of an insensitive political and geographic display at Autrey Mill Middle School’s recent Multicultural Night. This event is hosted by families and staff with the intent of celebrating different cultures and nationalities. We condemn the negative and extreme political agendas these symbols represent. We are investigating this incident, and will take all necessary actions to find the individual(s) responsible and hold them accountable.”